Are you more economic than a first grader?: A mixed methods approach in a common pool resources experiment
| Advisor | ||
| Author(s) | Jennings, Amanda Brooke | |
| Date Accessioned | 2016-03-23T13:29:30Z | |
| Date Available | 2016-03-23T13:29:30Z | |
| Publication Date | 2016-01 | |
| Abstract | The purpose of this mixed methods study is to investigate the similarities and differences between children, lay adults, and economics experts in a common pool resources game, thereby providing initial insight into children’s naïve economic theories. Quantitative data is drawn from participation in an artifactual field experiment adapted from Knapp & Murphy’s (2010) common pool resource game. Qualitative data is drawn from semi-structured interviews. By incorporating mixed methods within the framework of a common pool resources game, I capture both behaviors during the game and insight into reasons for those behaviors. I use a binary logistic model to predict participants’ choices to play the game vs. take an allocation of a resource. The sample, N=47, consists of three purposefully selected groups: children, novice adults (no advanced economics knowledge), and expert adults (graduate level economics knowledge). Consistent with the literature, males are more likely to play the game and females are more likely to take the allocation. While the literature is mixed with respect to how children behave when compared to novice adults, this study finds children are significantly more likely to play the game than novice adults and equally likely to play the game as expert adults. Qualitative data provides possible explanations for these findings. Findings have implications for economic education curriculum design and instruction. | en_US |
| Citation | Jennings, Amanda Brooke. 2015. “Are you more economic than a first grader?: A mixed methods approach in a common pool resources experiment.” Applied Economics & Statistics Research Report, University of Delaware, RR16-08. | en_US |
| URL | http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/17561 | |
| Language | en_US | en_US |
| Publisher | Department of Applied Economics and Statistics, University of Delaware, Newark, DE. | en_US |
| Part of Series | RR16-08 | |
| Keywords | Economic education | en_US |
| Keywords | Experimental economics | en_US |
| Keywords | Naïve theories | en_US |
| Keywords | Economic socialization | en_US |
| Title | Are you more economic than a first grader?: A mixed methods approach in a common pool resources experiment | en_US |
| Type | Research Report |